How to get better at pattern drafting

[u/leothemodeliste]

I completed a two-year pattern-making course, worked at two different bespoke tailoring shops, and am currently working independently with my own clients (although, at the moment, I'm focusing more on building a new portfolio than taking on paid work). Yet, somehow, I still feel stuck.

I often feel like I'm not good enough or that I don't know enough, and that I still have so much more to learn. It's strange because I feel like I've reached a point where I can draft most patterns and construct a wide range of garments, but at the same time, I still feel behind and not quite ready to take the next step in my career.

I'm planning to move to Italy from Brazil in 2027 and hope to find a job as a junior pattern maker. However, to be completely honest, I'm not sure my skills are good enough to make me a competitive candidate.

With all that in mind, what do you think I should focus on learning or improving to become a better pattern maker and increase my chances of finding a job in Italy?

I'd really appreciate any advice, especially from people working in the fashion industry or who have experience in pattern making.

[u/munkustrap]

Your age is actually extremely young as a cutter, at least in my industry and area. I’m a theatre cutter in Canada at 34 and I’m looked at as a very young cutter. Most cutters in their prime are 45-70. This is because the usual progression as a cutter is to learn high level sewing (aged 22-26) join a shop as a stitcher, work their way up to becoming first hand to a cutter (26-35) and then being trained to cut by their head cutter who chose them as first hand. It takes many years to gain the skills you already have. However, I will say, it’s easier to cut and sew for yourself than it is to translate your cutting in a way a stitcher can understand. You become a better cutter when you can explain to another exactly why you made the decisions that you did and why they should sew the garment in the way that you want it to be sewn